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Letter: International aid supports great work

More than $40 billion in aid for Ukraine and other affected countries was recently approved by Congress. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, of the $40 billion in aid, $16 billion will go toward economic support to Ukraine, global humanitarian relief and a wide variety of international programs. This funding is crucial for the people in Ukraine and other countries who are fighting to maintain their independence.

It is commendable how collectively the American people and Congress saw the struggle of the Ukrainian people and committed to assisting them in their time of need. Similarly, all across the world, there are people living in extreme poverty and in desperate need of aid. Funding for more developmental and diplomacy programs like the ones supported by the U.S. international affairs budget would greatly benefit these people.

The $40 billion served as the sixth aid package since the beginning of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The United States clearly has the ability and resources to help people in need all over the globe and its representatives are motivated to do so when there is clearly such strong support from their constituents. The Borgen Project in Tacoma highlights the ability of the United States to drastically reduce global poverty and how aid comes back to directly benefit the U.S. economy and national security.

The organization also emphasizes people's ability to influence their representatives, encouraging people to email or call representatives in support of bills that can help alleviate global poverty. Rep. Brad Schneider's support of past poverty reduction bills is appreciated. Currently, less than 1% of the U.S. national budget is allotted for the international affairs budget, an increase in this budget could greatly accelerate the rate that extreme poverty is being reduced.

Thendral Veerasekar

Buffalo Grove

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